5 EASY WAYS TO ADJUST YOUR BODY LANGUAGE TO SUCCEED AT WORK

| ADJUST YOUR BODY LANGUAGE TO SUCCEED AT WORK

Whether you work for yourself or for a massive corporate company, you will always be meeting and talking to new people – and it’s how to make that first impression, a good impression.

People judge other people. Very simple.

I do it, and I know you do it.

How is that person dressed? How does that person compose themselves? What are they like speaking to a room full of people? Do they seem apprehensive or nervous?

Knowing how to control your body language can really help prepare yourself for any situation – and to show others that you are ready and capable

| PEOPLE LIKE OTHER HAPPY PEOPLE

1. SMILE

This is an easy one, and everyone can do it.

When you smile at someone, they normally always smile back (I say normally, because you’ll have the odd few that just don’t give a shit), and when they do smile back, it changes their emotional state more positively around you. You become more approachable and more likely to be remembered

So it doesn’t matter what the situation is, whether you’re pitching for a new client, or you’re just going to the canteen for lunch – people like other happy people.

So smile everyday.

2. HOLD YOUR HEAD UP

Confident people are never the ones hiding away in the corner. They command the room with height and space.

Look up, keep your shoulders back, and stand/sit tall.

A confident person has great posture that projects authority and poise. If you’re managing a team, or in charge of a project, you need to display these attributes so that your direct reports have confidence that you will be able to lead them to success, or vice versa, when something goes wrong, they are reassured that you’ll know what to do

| I ALWAYS REMEMBER PEOPLE WITH A GOOD HANDSHAKE

3. SPEAK LOUD & CLEAR

Speaking loud and clearly goes hand in hand with body posture. Nervous people tend to speak rather quietly and timidly, and sometimes give the impression that they are not too confident in what they are saying.

It is especially important if you’re in a meeting or presenting to a room full of people, a confident speaker comes across more determined and enthusiastic.

There will also be times, when you’ll need to voice your opinion and you’ll need to stand up for yourself, or for your team – because there are people who will screw you over, and try to take advantage

So be firm and make sure people listen to you.

4. MAINTAIN A STRONG HANDSHAKE

I always remember people with good handshakes.

I don’t want you to cripple my hand, it just needs to be a strong solid handshake that makes a good first impression.

5. DRESS THE PART

What you chose to wear everyday has a massive effect on how you feel as a person, and how others perceive you based on your style choices.

It’s not about wearing the trendiest item, it’s about how you carry yourself in whatever you’re wearing, that makes you stand out.

“Style is a way to say who you are without having to speak.” – Rachel Zoe

| DO ALL THE ABOVE, AND KEEP PRACTISING

These are just my 5 ways of adjusting my body language that I know has helped my confidence levels over the last couple of years, whilst working at various companies.

I’ve been put into certain situations, or asked to present presentations to large rooms of people that I had never done before, and it was terrifying! But if you do all the above, and keep practicing, your confidence will develop and come naturally! x